DEFENSIBLE SPACE

Property owners in wildfire-prone areas face significant risks to their structures and surrounding landscapes. Establishing defensible space is crucial to mitigate these risks and enhance the chances of structure survival during a wildfire.

Here are the top ten actions to create defensible space:

1) Clear vegetation: Remove dead vegetation, dry leaves, branches, and other flammable materials from the within 100 feet of the structure. This includes clearing debris from roofs, gutters, and yard areas.

2) Maintain proper spacing: Ensure that trees, shrubs, and other vegetation are appropriately spaced to reduce the spread of fire. This prevents flames from easily reaching structures and slows down the fire’s progression.

3) Prune trees and shrubs: Trim tree branches and shrubs to a safe distance from the ground, typically 6 to 10 feet, depending on local guidelines. This prevents fires from climbing into the canopy and reduces the likelihood of fire spreading to the structure.

4) Manage landscape design: Opt for fire-resistant plants and landscaping materials in the immediate vicinity of the structure. Choose plants that are less likely to ignite and produce minimal flammable debris.

5) Create fuel breaks: Establish fuel breaks by removing vegetation and creating gaps or breaks in continuous fuels. This helps slow the spread of fire and provides a buffer between the wildfire and the structure.

6) Install fire-resistant roofing and siding: Use fire-resistant materials for roofing and siding, such as metal, tile, or fire-resistant shingles. This reduces the vulnerability of the structure to airborne embers during a wildfire event.

7) Maintain a safe buffer zone: Clear a safe buffer zone around the structure, extending at least 30 feet or more This zone should be free from flammable materials, including firewood stacks and propane tanks

8) Manage irrigation and water sources: Ensure that irrigation systems are properly functioning and wellmaintained Maintain access to a reliable water source, such as a well or swimming pool, to aid firefighting efforts if necessary

9) Address fire-prone features: Take measures to mitigate fire risks associated with features like wooden fences, decks, and outbuildings Apply fire-retardant coatings or consider replacing them with fire-resistant alternatives

10) Promote community awareness: Educate residents and property owners about the importance of creating defensible space and fire-safe practices Encourage community-wide efforts to implement defensible space strategies and foster a culture of wildfire preparedness

Establishing defensible space around structures is vital for reducing the vulnerability of properties to wildfires By implementing these measures, property owners can enhance their safety, protect their structures, and increase the effectiveness of firefighting efforts in the event of a wildfire.